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India successfully launches the heaviest launch vehicle

New Delhi: India on 5th June, 2017 leapfrogged into a select
group of nations having their own indigenous cryogenic engine technology, when
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its
heaviest launch vehicle, GSLV MkIII-D1, and placed GSAT-19, into a precise
orbit.

The GSAT-19, a communication satellite, expected to enhance
India’s communication infrastructure, was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer
Orbit (GTO), 16 minutes after launch, with a perigee (closest point to Earth)
170 km and apogee (farthest point from Earth) 35,975 km. It will take about two
to three weeks to be placed in its intended orbit.

The satellite weighs 3,136 kg. This successful launch will
enable India to launch 4-tonne class satellites from India. These were earlier
launched from launch pads abroad.

In a message, Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi
congratulated ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV Mark III.

Describing the launch as another significant achievement,
Smt. Gandhi said that ISRO had kept up the tradition of excellence in space
sciences. Congratulating, Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman of ISRO, Smt. Gandhi
said that his team has made the nation proud once again today.

In tweet message Congress Vice President Shri Rahul Gandhi
said Congrats to ISRO on the launch of GSLVMK3-India’s heaviest rocket yet. A
result of 3 decades of hard work of our space scientists! Very proud.